Friday, January 3, 2014

Bye Bye, Phil Everly

Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers passed away on January 3, 2014 at age 74.

Phil Everly (l.) of The Everly Brothers
Los Angeles Times reported in its obituary: Phil Everly, who with his brother, Don, made up the most revered vocal duo of the rock-music era, their exquisite harmonies profoundly influencing the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Byrds and countless younger-generation rock, folk and country singers, died Friday in Burbank of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, his wife, Patti Everly, told The Times. He was 74.

“We are absolutely heartbroken,” she said, noting that the disease was the result of a lifetime of cigarette smoking. “He fought long and hard.”

The Everly Brothers had 35 Top 100 singles, 26 in the top 40 on USA's Billboard. They hold the record for the most Top 100 singles by any recording duo, and only Hall & Oates have more Top 40 singles by a duo.

Linda Ronstadt has told the press: "They had that sibling sound. The information of your DNA is carried in your voice, and you can get a sound [with family] that you never get with someone who’s not blood-related to you. And they were both such good singers. They were one of the foundations, one of the cornerstones of the new rock-and-roll sound." Ms Ronstadt, of course, had one of the biggest hits of her career in 1975 with her cover version of “When Will I Be Loved,” written by Phil Everly.

In 1986, The Everly Brothers were among the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and, in 1997, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Their long string of hits includes “Cathy’s Clown,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” “Bye Bye Love,” “When Will I Be Loved” and, my personal favorite pop song on the topic of unrequited love, “All I Have to Do Is Dream.” 

R.I.P., Phil Everly.



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